The 2024 offseason has been one to remember for the Patriots, and for the most part, it’s for good reason. Fans have welcomed the change they have hoped for, and excitement regarding the upcoming season is continuing to grow as it nears.
A mostly disappointing free agency was saved by what appears to be a home run draft, which saw the additions of a new franchise quarterback, explosive wide receivers, and much-needed pieces to the offensive line.
Because the draft class has received so much hype, seeing the players take the field for the first time at OTAs has been far more anticipated than the typical offseason. And their performances have matched that hype in more ways than one.
On top of that, others have begun to get attention for how they’re looking on the field as well; a few names are more surprising than others.
5 Patriots players who are already turning heads at OTAs
Tyquan Thornton
Of all the players on the Patriots roster right now, most would have never predicted that Tyquan Thornton would be one of the handful that has stood out the most so far.
Having a few impressive practices without pads might not be much to some, especially since many players have looked great during the summer and amount to nothing when it actually counts. But Thornton must have a good summer, as he is on the roster bubble and will need all the standout showings he can string together to make the 2024 roster.
The good thing for the third-year receiver is that the hard work he’s claimed to be putting in this offseason is already making an impression through OTAs. He’s already gelled with Drake Maye, who he caught four passes from earlier this week.
Thornton has also worked with Jacoby Brissett, the presumed QB1 come Week 1. Although his top status as the main target so far is noteworthy enough, he made some nice catches in traffic, which was a primary factor in why Bill Belichick drafted him in the first place.
If he can continue to use his speed and athleticism to make those 50/50 throws, he could find a niche within the offense that appears readily available with DeVante Parker no longer on the team.
Javon Baker
When it was announced the Patriots were double-dipping at receiver in this year’s draft by selecting Javon Baker, it was almost like a parting of the seas moment for New England fans. It was a move they begged Bill Belichick to pull off in past drafts since the offense needed so much help, but it took Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf to make the dream come true.
Although there was plenty of excitement surrounding Ja’Lynn Polk’s pick in the second round, the explosive nature of Baker’s game elicited a much more animated reaction, which matched the receiver’s response when he was finally taken in the fourth round.
He continued to make his presence known but on the field this time, with a few impressive catches during OTAs this past week, most notably a down the sideline, in tight coverage, top-tapping catch over Marco Wilson that was good for 30 yards.
It was named the play of the day for Wednesday’s practice, something very reminiscent of last summer’s standout, DeMario Douglas.
Based on what we’ve seen so far, Baker could solidify his spot on the 2024 roster and in the offensive lineup fairly soon if he continues to show off in the way he has already. It’s an exciting and much-needed possibility, as the new regime hopes they put together a more competent offense this year who will help win games, not lose them.
Drake Maye
Because full contact practices are not allowed at this stage of the offseason, offensive players are bound to be the standouts at most practices. That works well for the Patriots, who need a great showing from their offensive players and so far, that’s exactly what they’re doing.
Probably the most important players to be looking great so far is rookie Drake Maye. Despite being relegated to third string quarterback reps for most of OTAs thus far, Maye has impressed with his performance on the field in more ways than just how nicely he throws a football.
Onlookers noticed early on his natural ability to be a leader. He immediately felt comfortable in that role and took on the responsibility as soon as the team hit the field. Maye communicated with his offensive teammates and worked with them to discuss what plays they were going to make. He even encouraged his fellow rookie teammates as they worked through drills.
Then he showed up and showed out on the field. The video of his no-look, Patrick Mahomes-like pass blew up in New England and excited Patriots fans. It may have just been a snippet of what he can do, but it’s good enough to reinvigorate a fanbase that has been salivating for an impressive quarterback to walk through those Gillette doors again.
It’s still early, and Maye has plenty to work on. However, it’s a great sign that he’s already performing as well as he is, providing a much more promising outlook than most had just one year ago.
Keion White
Although his performance on the field is yet to stand out for the media when in attendance, Jerod Mayo let everyone know that defensive end Keion White is well on his way to having the second year jump we all are hoping for.
White was a part of a well-oiled machine last year, and despite opportunities presented to him, like Matthew Judon’s absence from Week 4 on, he couldn’t make much of an impact on the field. Some of it can be blamed on his lack of usage, especially in his natural position.
But he also failed to put together many flashy moments that lent some confidence in what he could eventually become for the defense.
Fortunately, he has put in the work this offseason and has already demonstrated improvements from last year, which Mayo noted when speaking to reporters after practice on Wednesday.
“I would say Keion is kind of taking that step forward as far as being a leader. Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well with others. … He’s always been a strong guy. But I would say he’s even stronger now. He is here each and every day, and in the meeting rooms, he is actually kind of talking and leading those conversations, which I think is important. And we always talk about that Year 2 jump, that’s the biggest jump you’re going to have.”
With such an impressive final season at Georgia Tech, it’s clear White is capable of great things; he just needs to harness it and bring it to the field on game day. It’s great to hear the work he’s put in is already showing this early in the offseason, and hopefully, that will continue as the summer nears.
It would strengthen the defense to have another solid pass rusher in the lineup to help make Judon’s job a bit easier, as he has been the sole producer against opposing quarterbacks. White stepping up to the plate would benefit everyone involved and help solidify his role on the team moving forward.
Brenden Schooler
Historically, the Patriots’ special teams has been as solid as they come, even making other teams around the league prioritize their third unit more than they ever had. So that’s why seeing the group under perform and become a liability in recent years much more perplexing, especially under Bill Belichick.
With Mayo in charge now and a young special teams coordinator taking over the role for this upcoming season in Jeremy Springer, there’s a lot on the line for the entire special teams roster to improve. Fortunately, they’ll have a guy Matthew Slater took under his wing over the last two years to help lead the efforts.
Like Keion White, Mayo spoke highly of what he’s seen from Brenden Schooler so far this offseason. He’s already been a fantastic performer since signing with the team, but it’s even more crucial he steps it up this year with Slater no longer in the lineup.
Schooler has already shown he can be the next guy up with some incredible performances that have put the team in an excellent position to take over a game. Now, it’ll be all on his shoulders with his mentor coaching on the sidelines, and according to Mayo, he’s moving into the new role with ease.
“We know he plays hard each and every down and he’s out there each and every time … I think that’s the most important thing. … He’s a great athlete in the weight room, always pushing guys and then really just helping with the younger guys..”
The success with Schooler is exactly what the new-era Patriots team needs and what Eliot Wolf is known to love. Drafting and developing talent to assemble a young roster that can be built around and remain together for many years. Schooler is a foundational piece on the special teams that will inevitably become the next face of the unit.
